EDITORIAL ABOUT OFW’s (Blog 3.2)

Stay or Run Away?

To live or to leave, that’s the question.

Most of the Filipino citizens choose to live abroad because of the great quality and value of life for the future they can reach there, family’s sake and self satisfaction. The government kept silent for this issue for it is the choice of the citizens. But because of the non-stop migration happening, should the government needs to take a move and face the issue to the Filipinos who kept on running away from their native land just for their sake even though there are still a lot of business they can make here?

As we can see, our government has its all support to the workers abroad. According to Republic Act No. 8042, Act of 1995, the law “institutes the policies of overseas employment and establishes a higher standard of protection and promotion of the welfare if migrant workers, their families, and of overseas Filipinos in distress.”

The Presidential Decree No 1694 (May 1, 1980) as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1809 (January 16, 1981) is created by the Welfare Fund for Overseas Workers as the government agency permitted to promote the welfare of the workers. The agency was then renamed as Overseas Workers Welfare Administration or OWWA by the Executive Order No. 1987.

The Reorganization Act of POEA issued in 1987 or Executive Order No. 247 is published to make the services more efficient.

The medical care program for Filipino workers according to Executive Order No. 195 signed on August 13, 1994 has its order to provide medical assistance and hospitalization benefits to OFWs and their dependents.

Those are some of the laws regarding the welfare of the OFWs. Maybe these are some of the reasons why they wanted to stay there rather than to live here. But in order to make decisions such as going to abroad is one real big thing. That is what our government must notice. Our country is one of the most wonderful tourist spot. Actually, most of the foreigners want to see this place. But the real Filipino-blooded people chose to go to abroad. It looks so strange that we, Filipinos can’t appreciate the life in our country. The officials especially with the higher rank should now make a move to start the changes in this country. We must preserve our blood by appreciating and loving the place we live.

Do you want this country to be fulfilling and in a state of progress? So dear Filipino, will you stay or run away?

ROMEO AND JULIET’s ENDING (Blog 3.1)

SWEETER THAN FICTION

As Romeo heard about Juliet’s death, he hurriedly went directly to Juliet’s tomb. When he finally arrived the place, he saw Paris crying. Romeo went beside Paris and said, “How are you? I know it hurts so much because I know how it feels to love someone who happened to died without any last words for you.” Paris looked up to Romeo and answered, “What? You mean, you love her? But you’re a Montague, right?”. Romeo replied,” Yes, I am but it doesn’t mean I can’t love her just because she’s a Capulet. I truly love her so much.” Paris looked so startled and a moment of silence began.

Both unknowingly, Juliet heard their conversation. As she opened her eyes, she said, “I love you too, Romeo.”

Paris and Romeo looked so surprised. A little smile curved on Paris’s face as he realized everything. He realized that the reason why Juliet’s fake death happened was because of him; to escape their marriage.

“I know the feeling of loving someone and my love for you will remain forever, Juliet. But unluckily, I belong to the group of people who don’t deserve to be loved back by the person I love because she already found the one. Don’t worry Juliet; I will be the one who will explain everything to your parents. Be happy and always remember that I am here loving you but I know my real happiness will surely come soon. And for you Romeo, I’m ready to let go because I know you can be her man. You are her happiness, Romeo.”

And so Romeo and Juliet lived happily as their parents stopped their feuds for the sake of their marriage. The Montague family and Capulet family realized that the city of Verona would be a better place if they all live in the name of love. Romeo and Juliet never thought that this day would come as they thanked Paris for doing everything for them.

Everything was so surreal, magical and wonderful. It was like they lived in wonderland where wildest dreams can’t be awaken by anyone. But the thing is they were in reality where life is sweeter than fiction where true love exists.

The Past Isn’t the Past (Blog 2.4)

     If I have given a chance to see and talk with a historical person, I would love to talk to Mr. Albert Einstein, the great physicist and scientist. I chose him because my idolization for him talking about intelligence never stops me to amaze.

Albert: I can’t understand people nowadays.

Meryl: Why, Mr. Einstein?

Albert: They cannot see life as beautiful as it is.

Meryl: Sorry, Sir. But I can’t understand you because I can see life beautifully. Kindly explain it to me if it’s okay.

Albert: Of course it is. I want someone who would get my point and share it to others so that life would be so beautiful in people’s eyes.

Meryl: Hmmm. Okay, Sir.

Albert: Well, let me start to you, Meryl. How do you describe life except the thing that it is beautiful?

Meryl: For me, it is blissful, unique and eternal. If you will ask about my eternal belief, I may say that because life is too short yet there is another life in heaven above. But I’m not so sure if this is the real meaning of life.

Albert: If you cannot explain something simply, you do not know it well enough. But I guess the way you explained life, you have an idea. Because I can see that others are just wasting their lives by sitting and doing nothing, then after a day they’ll do it again. Some are doing things which are illegal and not good. It’s just they’re just wasting time. Any of the choices, still doesn’t fit in living a life. If people would be still like this, I think progress would not definitely come along.

Meryl: Well thank you, Sir. I wish I had a great wisdom just like you.

Albert: Wisdom is not a product of schooling but a lifelong attempt to acquire it.

Meryl: What do you mean?

Albert: You need to learn through experiences and try to evaluate yourself if you learned something from it.

Meryl: Oh. What if there are people who can’t see the changes happening to them through those experiences?

Albert: Simply, they do not appreciate it. They do not treasure, enjoy and live it the way they can.

Meryl: I guess that’s a real one fact.

Albert: Yes, just like the things I have done to my countrymen, I advocate about social justice just to protect them because I know that if I did that thing, a lot of people can witness life magnificently longer. If I did that thing, then I am sure that people would be saving from disaster.

Meryl: Wow! You really never fail to amaze me with your words.

Albert: Hahaha! It’s called humanity.

Meryl: I know, sir.

Albert: Good for you.

Meryl: Uhmm. Can I ask you a question please?

Albert: Okay. What is it?

Meryl: Do you believe in love?

Albert: Yes, because science is my first love. Life is also connected with love.

Meryl: SCIENCE?!

Albert: Yes my dear, why?

Meryl: I was just surprised with your answer.

Albert: What about it?

Meryl: I don’t know. But I guess that’s what makes you a scientist. 

Albert: Yes. I never stop thinking and creating for I love Science. Despite those things, I never stop also to devote myself in political issues that can led for peace, freedom and as we talk a while ago, for social justice.

Meryl: WOW! How I wish that there are still people who think that way.

Albert: Well I believe that somewhere here in this world, that there are people who are better than me.

Meryl: I don’t know what to say, sir. If there are, then I am surely being amaze with them, too for they have the chance to change the others’ perspective of life.

Albert: I hope so but remember that everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. So, the people that you are talking about who can change others may not be effective. Because people have their options: to be or not to be a better person.

Meryl: That one hits me. Thank you, sir for all the life lessons. I think the past isn’t the past yet because I am still living the person I used to be. I have my options now: be a better person or never.

Albert: Yes, the past isn't the past because the inventions and the science contributions that we had are still alive. Just kidding but merely a fact, right? Hmm. You are the present and still living for the past. When memories of the past hit you, it would have an effect to the present. But never ever think of the future for it will come soon enough.

FIGHT FOR THE RIGHT! (Blog 2.3)

          In this video, I want to show each and everyone that bullying is really one of the reasons why people act weird or differently. This video will prove that BULLYING IS NOT COOL. REALLY. It can affect people's hearts where they feel something wrong with them that can make their selves push away from others.  I'm hoping that realizations about our actions might be observe for a change. 

LINK:     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aD06YLqkbcs&feature=youtu.be

In love with a Fictional Character (Blog 2.2)

I thought we could just experience love, hope, happiness, sadness, instability, deep emotions and other feelings in reality. But I was wrong, very wrong. This book brought me in to fantastically amazing world. In this book, I learned how to fall in love.

Honestly, I am not fond of reading books whether it is a romance, comedy, horror or whatsoever. I don’t know why. I know it’s weird but I prefer watching movies rather than reading the book. That’s why I really had the hard time thinking what I must put in this blog post. And then, I remember a book that caught up my attention to continue the journey as I start to read the prologue. And in that time, I experienced the feeling of being broken hearted.

So here’s my favourite book- The Fault in our Stars by John Green. Let me share the story of it.

CHARACTERS:

Hazel Grace Lancaster- a 16-year old cancer patient who unexpectedly fall in love to a hot and sexy Augustus Waters

Augustus “Gus” Waters- a 16-year old guy who immediately fall in love to Hazel Grace and afterwards became his girlfriend; he has an osteosarcoma

Isaac- a guy best friend of Gus who has blinded eyes due to cancer

Mr and Mrs. Lancaster- Hazel’s parents who have been both caring and protective

Peter Van Houten- the author of Hazel’s favourite book entitled, ‘An Imperial Affliction’

Patrick- the leader of support group

Dr. Maria- Hazel’s cancer doctor who allowed her to go to Amsterdam

SETTING:

Indianapolis- place where the characters live

Amsterdam- place where Peter Van Houten lives

PLOT:

Exposition:  A non-typical teenager, Hazel Grace, who tried to join support group that made her life completely different. Augustus, immediately fall in love to her because of her incredibly great characteristics. They had bonding and good relationship as friends, but lately as they had their trip on Amsterdam, they became more than it.

Rising Action: About their trip, they had a quarrel between Van Houten who rudely treated them. Gus and Hazel just wanted to know about the ending of the book, An Imperial Affliction but the author denied telling it.

Climax: Augustus’ cancer spread on his body that causes him to become weak and vulnerable. But this time, Hazel realized that she loves Gus more than she knew. Gus decided to have a pre-funeral.

Falling Action: Gus died and unexpectedly, Hazel found Houten in the funeral. He told everything he knows about Gus.

Resolution: Hazel really loves Gus for she can’t thank him for what he had done to her and so at the end, she just accepted the truth that Gus died, but still her feelings remained the same.

SUMMARY:

“That’s the thing about pain, it demands to be felt.”

 Hazel Grace Lancaster, a sixteen-year-old cancer patient who always has a portable oxygen tank for properly breathing, chose to be alone than hanging out with her peers. But her doctor told her to act as a typical teen ager. So, she joined a support group, as her mother’s command. One day, she attended one of the meetings of the group and she had noticed by a teenage boy namely Augustus Waters, who was staring at her all the time. Augustus was there for Isaac, his best friend who had a tumor in one eye that was removed, and now, for the other eye that must be taken out also. After the meeting, Augustus approached Hazel Grace and asked her if she wants to hang out with him. And that was where everything has started. 

                                               

"It's a metaphor, see: You put the killing thing right between your teeth, but you don't give it the power to do its killing."

During their hang out, they both decided to exchange their own favourite books- An Imperial Affliction from Hazel to Gus and The Price of Dawn from Gus to Hazel. After a week, Gus admitted that he has this same curiosity about the ending of this story for it is sort unfinished.  He tried to send an email to the author. The assistant of the author, Lidewij, surprisingly replied to him. According to the letter, they could know about the ending personally only, so if ever, hopefully they could stop by in Amsterdam.

Both of them are so excited about it. But there is a problem. Hazel’s lungs filled with fluid which causes her to go to ICU. She found out that Gus never left her in the hospital. Gus gave a letter to Hazel which made her to go to Amsterdam more determined. The group of doctors don’t want her to go but Dr. Maria said that Hazel must live her life.

"I am a grenade and at some point I am going to blow up and I would like to minimize the casualties, okay?" Hazel grace said as she explains to Gus why he can't fall in love to her.

"Oh, I wouldn't mind, Hazel Grace. It would be a privilege to have my heart broken by you." Gus replied. 

So the time came, Hazel with her mom and Gus went to Amsterdam. When Hazel and Gus met Peter Van Houten, they expect that they would have a genially talk with him, but they were so disappointed. What they have seen was the upside down of it- Houten as a drunk and unconciously annoying man. But Lidewij didn't make them feel so bad for she brought the two to a tour in Anne Frank's house.

"I'm in love with you, and I know that love is just a shout into the void, and that oblivion is inevitable, and that we're all doomed and that there will come a day when all our labor has been returned to dust, and I know the sun will swallow the only earth we'll ever have, and I am in love with you."

"I fell in love like you would fall asleep: slowly and then all at once."

Next day, Augustus confessed to Hazel that while she was in the hospital for days he discovered that his cancer spread everywhere. Hazel realized that Augustus is the grenade now. Back to Indianapolis, Gus becomes afraid, weak and helpless yet he is still the most beautiful boy for Hazel. She also realized that she loves Gus so much. Unfortunately, Gus’ condition becomes worse quickly and so he decided to arrange a pre-funeral. Hazel and Isaac gave their last words or eulogies to Gus.

Isaac to Gus: When the scientists from the future show up at my house with robot eyes and tell me to try them on, I will tell them to screw off because I do not want to see a world without him.

Hazel to Gus: Some infinities are bigger than other infinities. But I cannot tell you how thankful I am for our little infinity.

Eight days later, Gus died. Hazel surprisingly found Houten at the funeral. The author apologized to Hazel for the things he had done and in return, he told the truth about the book. Hazel refused to listen and went to a drive.

After some days, Isaac told Hazel that Gus was writing a sequel of An Imperial Affliction about a eulogy just for her through emails of Houten and Gus. Gus asked Houten’s help to put his ideas differently because he believes that he is not a good writer and his thoughts are stars that he can’t fathom into constellations. And there was this statement in the letter,” You don’t get to choose if you get hurt in this world, old man, but if you do have some say in who hurts you. I like my choices. I hope she likes hers.”

Hazel said as she cries, “I do, Augustus. I do.”

I AM EMOTIONALLY UNSTABLE RIGHT NOW. WHY AUGUSTUS WHY. YOU SHOULD’VE LIVED LONGER AND BE MINE. BUT NO, YOU DIED. AND FOR THIS, I GOT MY WORST HEART BREAK EVER. 

The Truly Great (Blog 2.1)

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Hi0OvKtFt0&feature=youtu.be

YOU CAN BE GREAT. 

The Perks of Being Imperfect (Blog 1.4)

Have you ever felt incomplete but you were actually not?

I mean, you are not perfect but you can see and feel your imperfections.

If you do, try to watch this video and examine yourself if you realize something.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCiVrDETs7Q

I know that you do have an imperfection but always remember that it is the thing that makes you beautiful and stand out in the crowd. It is the thing which makes you different and unique from the others. It would be effective if you would just embrace, love and accept who you are behind your imperfections.

But if you are not still convincing of accepting who you are or the way you seems to everyone, listen to this song. Feel the lyrics and do have some realizations.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ON45TeyyCnQ

See? You do not have to be perfect and be someone just to please everybody. All you have to do is be yourself, let out your flaws and your imperfections. If you have a negative side, there are positive sides. You need to focus on the bright side of life. If people want you to be change by someone who you can’t be, don’t listen to them. Your imperfections are the ones who made you, the real you. So, would you just let anyone change it just to be someone else? DON’T MESS WITH IMPERFECTION. 

It's Within the Eyes (Blog 1.3)

Whatever I may be doing, I know that there are people who are watching their eyes on me. There are people who will always say comments about my actions. There are people who will never be part of my life. There are people who used to be part of me who gave me so much to remember. There are people who will come and go after making me feel so important. There are people who will be part of my life sooner or later. There are people who stay temporarily and permanently in my life. But these people will always be a lesson and experience to me.

Honestly, my attitude is based on someone how he or she is treating me. Therefore, some people are saying that I am good and some describes me as bad. I don't care if what they are thinking to me as long as I know in myself that I am doing the best and right things. But there are times that I would just sit on a chair by the window, looking out and suddenly thinking why do people always try to manipulate your life?

People want me to be myself but if I do, there are so many side comments that follow. Humanity is really hard to understand. But as a human, I need to understand them. I need to know what is really wrong with me also. I must know in myself what are the characteristics I must not and do possess so that people would understand me, too. I must know how to adjust for others.

Why am I bothering to tell these people? Because these people are the one who know and who will know about me. When the time come, when flame-farewelled happen, they are the ones who will remember me. People who don't like me will remember me as the characteristics they want me to have to. People who like me will remember me with the characteristics they see as who I am.

It really sucks when people don't care what you are thinking or feeling, considering the fact that you always do. After all this time, I don't know what am I supposed to do but my thoughts changed when I experienced having a weather of weapons with my friends. Draught of giants hit me that some things are meant to be accepted not to understand. Because of this experienced, I tried my best to change for the better, to see the world beyond what am I seeing.

As a human living in this world, someday I would leave a legacy. If you would ask me what it is, I would answer that it is the change I did for myself to accept and to understand more the happenings in this world. It is the self-adjustment that I made for others. I consider it as one of the good deeds I did. But of course, my legacy would still depend on what people are seeing within me. It is still the people's eyes and observations. However, if I can, I would like to remember me as a good person who loves to help, care and accept people whoever they may be. Because I believe in my all time favorite quote from my idol Taylor Swift that, “No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is the best legacy we could leave behind."

I may not be a legendary whale-road, a beautiful sky-candle, a colorful cloud-bridge, a relaxing sun-table or an expensive serpent's lair but I am a girl who always keep her feet on the ground, who always try to look back and never forget where she start and who always ring-rich to others. And I believe that I am still in the uncut thread which I need to continue to have a better legacy that I could leave behind.

Inspiring Without Her Knowing (Blog 1.2)

25 years ago, a wonderful milk guzzler was born. She was as angelic as an angel is. She was like a miracle that ever happened in our family.

My parents got married 20 years ago, 5 years had passed and still, they didn’t have a child. But my cousin, a 5-year old child that time needed someone to take care of her because her parents were working. And my mother insisted to do it. Until they became two. Her sister was also taken care by my mother. My mother felt like she was a mother that time for she was not experiencing it yet. Within those years, she didn’t feel sad because she still felt like she was a real mother.

After 5 years, I came. My parent’s real child came. They were like the luckiest and happiest people in the world. They even had a big celebration. But even though I was born in this world, my cousins were still part of our journey. We were like sisters before, and even now.

Time flies so fast that I didn’t even notice that we grew so fast, too. I am now a 14-year old high school student, she’s a 25-year old woman who had her husband and starting to make her own family, and her sister is a 19-year old college student. But despite the time which passes so fast, we still treat each other like before.

She started her journey in Immaculate Concepcion School in Naic, Cavite as an elementary student until she reached high school. After graduating in high school, she got a chance to study in De La Salle University- Dasmarinas, Cavite as a Nursing student. She graduated in the said university and after months, she had an application in San Lorenzo Ruiz Hospital in Naic, Cavite. Then she got hired and assigned in Dialysis Center. It was so cool that her first ever patient was her dad. It became a very memorable time to her. That time, her dad had a kidney problem and need to have dialysis regularly to survive. But after years, her dad who was my uncle, flame-farewelled. Our family, the Lucero clan, really felt so sad for my uncle because he was a great, kind and loving person. But this incident made my cousin even stronger and determinate to work more. She made her dad as her inspiration. I saw in her that she was really determined to prove herself more because of what happened. Through the years, she became the Head Nurse, she became busier yet she didn’t forget to spend time with us. Especially during special occasions, our family were always having celebrations. New Year was always the best time we were having together. I am super saluting her strength because she even became the 2^nd mother of her sister because their mother was working as nurse in abroad for their living. She was the one who take good care of her sister; I saw that they became closer because of it. They really looked so cute together and how I wish that someday my sister and I could be like them.

But now, when my cousin met her love of her life, some things that we thought permanently has apparently changed. They are now in San Francisco, California. Far far away from the Philippines which a lot of whale-road and tall mountains are the obstacles between us, she doesn’t forget where she belongs.  We always talk and chat using Viber. She never forgets to greet us and simply say how we are doing here. I am really idolizing her great personality. She’s very good, kind, loving, caring, strong and brave person. She even left me her 3 most favourite books that really made me feel so special. I don’t know why, maybe she thought I am a bookworm even not. I am really missing her right now. I miss her silly and corny jokes, her cute way of sneezing and her strict personality in terms of dressing. She’s always checking our clothes if it’s revealing or not, which I learned to dress properly because of her.

I consider her as my hero for she thought my mother first how to become a mother and for touching my life without her knowing. I didn’t even say it to her, I don’t like to because it’s awkward but seriously, she’s one of my inspirations in continuing and pursuing my life, my dreams. I would like to thank her so much for making me believe that success really happens in someone who is willing and determine to achieve it.

Oh, I’m being so talkative here even though I am not still telling my cousin’s name. Okay, she’s Abigael M. Lucero and now, Mrs. Abigael L. Panaligan. 

AT FOURTEEN (Blog 1.1)

New faces, new lessons, new environment;

After six years of burning my eyebrows,

Another chapter of my life has just begun,

Here I am trying to find my place in this new-fangled world

Back when I was a 12-year old girl,

I entered this school with a raw mind and nervy feeling.

I was upset to myself and keep asking,

“Am I really fit in here? Is this really what I want?”

It was my freshmen year when I met new circle of friends,

When I saw something different and surreal in here,

When I experienced hard knocks,

Yet, I survived, still alive and kicking at fourteen.

Getting along to my new experiences,

I stepped up and faced the challenge of being a sophomore.

8^th Grade realized me that by using our hearts, things would be much easier

Because in here, more life lessons were taught

My sophomore life became more fruitful than 7^th Grade;

Friends stay stronger and real, teachers became closer to us,

Foremost of all, we had fun

And so I survived, still alive and learning at fourteen.

For the past 2 years as a CavScian,
It wasn’t that easy for me and it became a big suffer

But through those help me to know who really I am, what my role in life is,

They thought me how to become a student with a heart and mind

It’s like a blink of an eye; I am now a 9^th Grade student

I can’t believe it, I am now half way out the door

This is one of the hardest stages where bewilderment starts,

Where higher expectations are looking for us

I survived 2 years,

And counting for more with flying colours

I am so grateful that I am still here,

Still alive and gaining knowledge at fourteen

As a 9th Grade Student Within the First Week

The very first thing that came out in my mind when I was about to step inside the school on the very first day was really, "Oh no. This is the hardest part of the High School life. I saw some juniors before posting about their junior life that really made me scared." Yes, they really scared me a lot because in my 8^th Grade, we just had fun. We were like,"Okay, let's do this. This is the way it goes. Let's just all have fun and enjoy the school hours." But... after months of vacation, I think almost everything has changed.

One Monday morning, when I opened my eyes from a dream turning out into a reality, I found out that I need to go to school, again. Well, as a student, it was really hard for me to accept the fact that VACATION IS FINALLY OVER. But it was fine with me because I can finally see my classmates and learn new lessons not just literally about subjects but about life. 

So I entered the school or specifically, to our classroom with a smile and as expected I saw my classmates. Four of them were new to us. It was really odd to me that I am now inside of different building. Even our classroom, it seemed different to me unlike in our 8th Grade classroom, every time I would enter in it I can feel the enjoyment, fun and crazy stuff. Maybe it just means that, I am now getting to a higher path of life where we can see new atmosphere, new classmates and new image. 

Basing my thoughts to the posts I saw, I don't think it would be that hard since our teachers look so nice, kind and inspirational (Ma'am Maye's story inspired me hihi) to us, and if each and every one of us would help ourselves and others for this school year. We should be hard-working and persevere. Well maybe sometimes the lesson itself is the hard part. Just like me, even though I like the teacher, I really can't like the subject because lessons' are difficult. 

After my first week experience as a 9th Grade student, I can say that it was good, fun and different. At first, I was really scared but now, I don't think there is nothing should be scared of... Uhmm well maybe there is? Just kidding. :)

I hope that my classmates and I will make more memories together and learn a lot of lessons.